Stopping teenage pregnancy

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) is an abnormal tract extending between the bladder and the vagina that allows the continuous and involuntary discharge of the urine into the vaginal vault. This occurs when there is a prolonged labour.

In the process, the unborn child is tightly pressed against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesico vaginal wall and therefore affecting the tissues. This leads to a hole between the bladder and the vagina, resulting into an uncontrollable leakage of urine through the vagina.

Teenage pregnancy has been so rampant in our society today. According to statistics, about 16 million girls of ages 15-19 years give birth yearly. That is about 11 per cent of all births worldwide. Half of these teenage births occur in just seven countries, which are India, Ethiopia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Teenage pregnancy poses serious health risks that can even lead to death, as most teenagers indulge in unprotected intercourse. This is because of lack of proper orientation.

VVF occurs in teens because their pelvic bones are yet to be fully developed. According to a radiology study of early 1990s on teenagers in the United States, it was found out that the actual size of the birth canal was smaller in the first three years after menarche than at age 18, and that the dimension of the inlet, midplane and outlet of the birth canal of these young adolescent were contracted.

In Nigeria, of 241 fistula and 148 that were controlled, it was found that 27 per cent occurred in girls of age 15 years and below, 59 per cent occurred in girls of age 18 and below. This shows that early age at marriage was significantly associated with fistula. Malnutrition of these young mothers also contributed to the risk of fistula.

Teenagers involved may face some social challenges, such as isolation from the society due to the putrid smell brought about by the urine leakage and lack of supports by family members. Teen mothers are less likely to complete their education. They also suffer depression.

Fistula can be treated either transvaginally or laparoscopically. Some possible complications may occur afterwards and these include recurrent formation of the fistula, injury to ureter, bowels or intestine and vaginal shortening. But laparoscopical has become more prevalent due to its greater visualisation, higher success rate and low rate of complications.

Everyone has a role to play in curbing this disease. Parents need to educate their kids, both male and female about intercourse and dignity. Girls may be the only one at the physical risk, but both are responsible for another person’s life. Parents should also avoid the habit of early child marriage to protect the lives and future of their children.

The government must provide adequate facilities to hospitals to treat fistula cases. It must enact a legislation to stop child marriage and punishment should be meted out to those engaging in the act. The vulnerable, which are the teenagers, also have the important role to play. They must resist peer pressure and focus on educative write-ups and videos produced against VVF.

The media will help by educating teenagers on why they must not engage in premarital intercourse. I believe this health risk can be reduced and stop if these measures are put in place.